In German, "Dach" means badger and "hund" means dog,
thus explaining an early use of an ancestor of this breed as a hunter. The
breed itself, however, may date to the time of the Egyptians. A dog of similar
stature to the Dachshund found on an Egyptian statue is named Tekal from
which the name "Teckel" used in Germany for this breed originates.
The German parent club, the Deutscher Teckelklub, was founded in 1888 although
the breed standard was set as early as 1879. There are six-varieties of
Dachshund, including smoothhaired, longhaired, wirehaired with miniatures
of each. The wirehaired Dachshund was developed later by introducing other
breeds into the general Dachshund type.
Today, the Dachshund is primarily a house pet and companion. He is cheerful,loyal,
clever, lively and courageous. He is also good with children. He does not
need large amounts of exercise but regular romps and a controlled diet are
essential.
The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied, low-to-the ground dog. His
body is twice the length of his height. He is sturdily built and well muscled
but not clumsy. The head is long and tapered with oval eyes, set obliquely
on the head. The ears are long and broad, set back on the head and laying
downward along the neck, coming to a tapered end just below the jaw-line
with the forward edge barely touch the cheek. The bite is scissor. The chest
is broad and deep with a prominent breastbone. To accommodate this chest
with the short legs, the legs curve slightly inward. The feet are broad
and compact, turning slightly outward. The topline is straight with the
hip being level to the shoulder. The tail tapers downward to a point below
the elbow. As mentioned above, there are three coat types. The smoothhaired
variety has a short coat that is dense, shiny and glossy. The Longhaired
is is also shiny and glossy but long and somewhat wavy like a Irish Setter
coat. The wire coat is short, thick and harsh with a good undercoat. It
also sports a beard and bushy eyebrows. Colors may vary from various shades
of red to tan to black to dappled. In the United States, Standard Dachshunds
average between fifteen and twenty-five pounds while Miniatures range approximately
from five to ten pounds. In Germany, separation between standard and miniature
Dachshunds is based on chest-circumference.
dachsrgr8@hotmail.com of Florida writes:
Best dogs in the world!
My family and I have been Miniature Longhaired Dachshund fanciers for
as long as I can remember. They are wonderful show dogs and buddies. They
are loyal, loving and #1 companions. Also, they are awesome with my children
and other dogs. I would never have another breed.
Name withheld by request of Ashland, VA writes:
Very protective.
Hard to train, stubborn, better for an older couple. Loves vehicles,
especially chasing them.
Name withheld by request of Connecticut writes:
Great, fun, loving, high-spirited dogs.
There is no other dog like the Dachshund. Mine was such a delight. These
dogs come in Smooth, Longhaired and even Wirehaired. If you get a Dachshund
puppy, do not let it jump on the furniture because it can hurt its back
very easily. This dog is great with children. My Dachshund was so funny;
he used to bark at the wall. This dog is so much fun to have around. This
is truly my favorite breed.
fanto88@yahoo.com of Boston, MA writes:
Clown of the dog world.
A very sweet, playful, and comical dog that provides constant entertainment
and affection. Disposition with family members and welcome guests is outstanding.
Stubborn, not too easy to train. If you are used to a larger dog noted for
obedience (i.e., GSD, Golden Retriever) this may not be your cup of tea.
If you are looking for a nice, low maintenance companion, or just want a
dog with loads of personality this could be an excellent choice. In my opinion,
they are not the smartest breed, but their other fine qualities make up
for a lot.
Act88indef@aol.com of Texas writes:
One word: PERFECT.
My dog is about three years old, and is still as vibrant and happy as
ever. He is so sweet, and he doesn't get too excited over the little things.
He'll sit on my lap and sleep for hours, and at night, I can just put him
in my bed and he'll burrow under the covers and sleep all through the night
without waking up.. He is so sweet and my whole family loves him. I got
him three years ago when I was eleven, and I didn't train him. I'm starting
up now, and he is catching right on. It just goes to show that you CAN teach
an old dog new tricks.
Name withheld by request of Illinois writes:
I love my wiener dog!
Dachshunds are just the sweetest little dogs. They are friendly and
hilarious. Even if I am having a bad day, when my wiener dog comes running
up to me wagging his tail then trips over his own feet I can't help but
laugh. They are terrific dogs and have a lot of personality and love.
lynn_barr@hotmail.com of British Columbia, Canada writes:
My favorite small breed.
I have known several Mini and tweenie Dachshunds, and owned one marvelous
Mini black and tan female. She was loyal, intelligent, adaptable to various
environments and travel. She was great with our other dogs, cats and horses,
but ran strange dogs off! She once asked to go out and dashed under some
bushes; after a few minutes of incredible sound effects, she pranced out
with a dead weasel in her jaws p; one proud huntress. Although the breed
can be stubborn, with intelligent perserverance, housetraining and bark
control are accomplished. I find crate training wonderful for these dogs.
ffixitt@earthlink.net of Destin, FL writes:
A breed with a mind of their own.
Daschies are loyal, loving, protective and downright stubborn. You want
a true friend ... that's a Daschie. Bodyguard? ... that's a Daschie. A Daschie
will get on the scent of a varmit, and it takes an act of Congress to get
them to give it up. Yet it's as gentle as a kitten with children. They may
not be the biggest breed, but what they lack in size they make up for in
sheer tenacity, and what's really strange, they usually get away with it.
Name withheld by request of California writes:
Perfect companions.
I've had two Miniature Dachshunds so far, and I will never be without
one again. Intelligent, curious, and independent, they are also fiercely
loyal to a full family (not just one person) and are marvelous little watchdogs
and companions. An amazing quality that both Dachshunds I've owned displayed:
if they hear someone crying in another room they will always come running
to comfort and kiss, and won't leave your side until you've stopped. Their
instinct to somehow keep every member of their "pack" intact and
cheerful is truly endearing.
thoughtfulcontemplation@yahoo.com of Florida writes:
Sweet but lazy.
I own a Miniature Dachshund, whom I adore. He is sweet, caring, nonaggressive
or violent, and loving. He is a perfect lap dog. Dachshunds are great for
couples or older families. He is extremely lazy. He is picky about food,
which makes keeping him on a diet difficult. I've heard this isn't an unusual
problem with this breed. Overall, I am greatly satisfied with my lazy dog.
I would recommend this breed to anyone who doesn't mind motivating their
animal to exercise and is okay with a dog that doesn't remain awake for
extended amounts of time when food isn't present.
ritacool@webtv.net of California writes:
The best little dog in town.
I have four Dachshunds. This is a wonderful breed. Full of love, confidence,
humor, loyalty, hunting skills and a list too long to finish here. They
do have inherent disc problems due to the short legs and long spines. Care
needs to be taken with feeding and activities that can traumatize their
discs. I wouldn't recommend them around small children they aren't familiar
with. Otherwise a better companion you won't find.
leshibeaux@hotmail.com of Donegal, Ireland writes:
Stubborn, but loyal and good watchdogs.
My Standard Longhaired Doxi is shaded red and one of the proudest dogs
I have ever owned. He was very hard to train and it took me a long time
and a load of patience but I made it. He is a typical hound with a mind
of his own, but a lovely natured dog and quite good with children, and tolerates
the cats! He is very friendly when we go visiting, and extremly nosy in
other people's houses. I love him dearly and he gets on very well with my
St. Bernard.
sassy_lady_val@yahoo.com of Las Vegas, NV writes:
Just awesome.
I have had the privilege of being "owned" by four of these
incredible little bundles of joy and just couldn't imagine my life without
them. They have brought more joy and happiness into our household than I
could ever write about, and anyone who has ever been around them knows just
what I am talking about. Each one has their own special personality and
no one Doxie is alike. They are great companions and do well in most situations,
and households. Not having kids, they are my children and are as family
members. They are almost human in a lot of ways; they seem to sense when
I am having a bad day, always manage to make me laugh, they might be small
in size, but what they lack in size, they make up for in heart and the love
they give back without reservation. Great things come in small packages,
and you are in for a treat if you decide to bring one of these little bundles
into your home. You will be in for the time of your life, and will wonder
how you ever got along without one. They are awesome little dogs! Don't
take my word for it, ask anyone who has ever been lucky enough to share
their lives with a Doxie, you will never be the same.
rymitc@webtv.net of Coal Run, OH writes:
Great loving little dog.
God put the little fellows here for us to love and in return we get
so much love. All they want is love, food and a nice warm place to sleep
(in our bed with us!).
d_sbabydoll_1@hotmail.com of Virginia writes:
Good things come in small packages.
I own a Miniature and he is so wonderful. He is just like a human, he
has his likes and dislikes, he is so handsome, and so sweet. He gets along
with any dog or cat for the matter, big or small. He is just momma's baby
boy. However they do require a lot of toys, love and attention, but they
are so cute you want to spend all your time with them anyway!
nukeskr@aol.com of Kentucky writes:
Dachshunds are the greatest pet to have as a member of your family.
My Dachshunds have brought joy and adventure to my family. They both
have great personalities. They are family-oriented and it's like having
another child; they make me smile. They are smart and cuddly. They are very
intelligent dogs and are sensitive to your moods. They are very loyal to
their master.
sdharts1@netzero.net of U.S. writes:
Cute, friendly, great family (with kids) dog!
These are great family dogs because they get so attached to children
and the children love them, too, because they're small and easy to handle.
They get along with just about anyone and love to be with you, and just
like you. They are also fast learners and very intelligent.
waxman@ntlworld.com of U.K. writes on 8./13/01:
Bark, bark, bark!
My particular experience is with Wire daxies - in particular from UK working
lines ( imported European working lines ). These dogs are unexaggerated
and stylish hounds, but full of va-voom ! Noisy and sensitive to all sorts
of neighbourhood noises ... BUT, due to working bloodlines, very trainable.
My dog, despite beign warned by the society secretary, that I would, one
day, be chasing the dog trying to call it off a scent, has never happened.
he is tenacious though - bitches in season pose no problem at all - he will
run home to be with his Collie girlfriend!
They are quite a loyal and friendly breed ... but always remember they are
independent ultimately.
Name withheld by rquest of Edmond, OK writes on 4/22/01:
My babies!
This is a great breed for people who are affectionate, patient and loving.
My boys are not very good with children or other dogs, particularly if introduced
too quickly. They definitely need to be introduced to strangers slowly.
They love to be cuddled and held, but can also chase balls and frisbies
with the best big dog! Quite protective, but not barky, even when the neighbors'
dogs are riled up. Not "yappy" barkers. Easy maintenance, but
somewhat hard to train due to a definite stubborn streak. Our Mini's love
routine, and have not been chewers or leg-lifters, even though neither are
neutered. They are our children and bring us so much joy!
triglet@hotmail.com of Wisconsin writes on 3/8/01:
Not too small, not too big, but have the biggest hearts!
My first Dachshund died last year, but gave us eleven years of pure bliss.
She was loving, easy, funny, loyal (tried to attack a Rottweiler that got
a little too close to me). I loved that dog dearly. When she died, I didn't
think I could bear that pain again of losing a dog - but I'm now the proud
owner of another Dachshund. She is two months old, and already quite the
little charmer. I recommend a Dachshund for families with children - despite
their small size, they can run, play, fetch, cuddle, anything at all. The
kids at times harrassed Sara, but she never bit, nipped nor even growled,
she just played right along with them. I am looking forward to many years
with Paula now and I hope that anyone considering Dachshunds will get one,
because they WON'T be disappointed!
wckdginger@aol.com of Scotland wrties on 12/30/00:
While wonderful family dogs, Dashunds are also very protective and fiesty
- good dogs to have around.
Dashunds are wonderful dogs to have around - endlessly comical, loyal and
protective canines, they are fun to be around and low maitnence. Although
Dashunds do tend to be one-person dogs (in my experience), they do warm
up to larger groups of people if introduced slowly and gently. These wonderful
dogs are easy to keep, incredibly smart and make wonderful pets and even
better friends!
Name withheld by request writes on 5/19/00:
Dachshunds are not "yappy" dogs.
The Dachshund is one of the most wonderful breeds that I have ever encountered.
I would like to say that the person that referred to Dachshunds as "yappy"
needs to have their head examined! I am owned by one, and have several others
that I take care of sometimes. NONE OF THEM has a yapping problem!!!
BabyKrazze@hotmail.com of Illinois writes on 1/23/00:
Sweet yappy dogs.
Dachshunds are sweet loving dogs but are very "yappy." They are
great dogs for companions and are easy to care for. they are basically happy
dogs with great energy but know when it is time to settle down. A Dachshund
is a good dog for someone looking for a love bug that likes to play and
needs attention.
satchmo64@earthlink.net of Texas writes on 1/17/00:
Excellent senior companion.
My observations of Daschunds have shown only excellent qualities. I've had
my mini-longhair for seven years. After some firm, steady habits, he was
squarely housebroken. They are very astute,
and full of love. Mine is always worming his way in-between when there is
another pooch on my lap. I don't recommend the use of stairs or frequent
high jumps(off the bed), as their long bodies tendto entice spinal injuries.
Offered lots of love and association, they tend to be very friendly with
other people and, usually, dogs. My Daschund has even proven to be an excellent
mouser. I've never had a problem with chewing on anything improper, and
the only time he digs, is when he's on the trail of a little mouse. Overall,
they are beautiful friendly, alert, loving dogs, that are capable of learning
a lot.
bree_kat@rocketmail.com of Arizona writes on 12/28/99:
Wonderful.
Over the years Ive owned six Doxies, and raised many more, and all I can
say is wow! These little guys are all heart and brain, not to mention loving.
If youre looking for a breed full of personality, loyalty and love look
no further. Every Doxie Ive owned has bee a joy, especially my Freya. You've
heard the saying "Dogs take on the personality of their owner"?
Well with her its true or at least that is what my family says. But if you
dont have alot of time to spend with a dog the a Doxie isnt for you, they
need lots of love and as cute as they are its hard to deny them. I even
had one who had his own chair at the dinner table where he sat a begged
bite of lettuce from the family.
Wer4dawgs@aol.com of Lancaster County, PA writes on 10/16/99:
Doxie lovers are LOVED!
I am in total agreement with the reviews posted below. I would just like
to add that, of the many breeds I've known, Dachshunds are without a doubt
the most loving! Mine are the most devoted, affectionate dogs one could
want. Their primary mission is to be near me, it seems; even more important
than, say, harrassing the ever-important bunnies, etc. This, I believe,
is their most endearing characteristic. My two are "tweenies",
by the way; at 15 and 17 pounds, they are technically standards, but much
smaller than the common 25-30 pound standards one may see at shows. Also,
one is a smooth, and one is a longhaired Doxie.
aleeyah@wt.net of Houston, TX writes on 10/13/99:
Good breed- Minis not for novices.
Minis - good little lap sized dogs, clowns but not for the novice or meek
owner. They require a firm hand to guide them and definate boundries otherwise
they will end up dominating, usually ending up with the dog developing a
nasty temperament, including excessive barking, nipping, excessive chewing,
digging and/or housebreaking failure. I would NOT recommend for house holds
with children under age 10. Great for older, experienced dog owners looking
for a little buddy to travel with or keep them company or a child substitute.
Standards - More stable in temperament, a bit less independant than the
mini. Usually good with kids under 10 but would still keep an eye out when
with kids 5 and under. A bit less "barky" but still have a tendency
to be diggers and chewers. Good for an intermediate owner, some OK for novice
owners. Good watchdogs (NOT guard dogs) with a "big" bark in a
little body, most will naturally alert when someone ventures onto "thier
territory".
Overall - Before you get a Dachshund PLEASE be aware that this breed tends
towards digging, chewing and barking. If you even think these traits might
be a problem for you, consider another breed. My current Dachshund is a
(standard size) rescue whose owners gave him up at 5 months because of these
very traits. These dogs take work and training, basic obedience is a requirement!
In the right home with the right owners they are super little dogs!
willagay@i1.net of Bonne Terre, MO writes on 10/11/99:
A lot of dog in a small package.
Most people think of the Dachshund as "half a dog high and dog and
a half long," or a breed that has back problems, but those of us who
are owned by them know them as excellent hunters, fun obedience dogs and
great bedwarmers. The breed retains its instinct to hunt all types of game,
from birds to rabbits and squirrels to trailing wounded deer. AKC offers
both field trials on rabbit and den trials with rats to test the versatility
of this great breed. In obedience they challenge the trainer to be inventive
in seeing things from their point of view to gain a working relationship.
And in the home they have enough bark to be a deterrent to burglars, yet
properly socialized, will love everyone who comes through the door, although
they have been known to be opinionated about who they consider a friend
in their own home. While I wouldn't recommend the Miniatures for a home
with small toddlers (they could fall on the dog and injure it), the standard
usually has the size to handle it. As with any breed, the proof is in the
breeding and it is necessary to investigate the background of the puppy
you are buying in order to get a Dachshund that is sound physically, mentally
and emotionally. There are genetic problems like PRA, Disc Disease, epilepsy,
vWd, and, in double dapples, hearing problems. But with two sizes (Standard
and Miniature), three coats (smooth, wire and long) and a multitude of colors
you are sure to find a Dachshund to warm your heart.